Bahlil Assures No Fuel Price Hike
JAKARTA — The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, has assured that the government has not raised fuel prices amid global geopolitical pressures that have sparked concerns over energy price hikes in various countries.
Bahlil emphasised that energy price stability remains a government priority, particularly to safeguard public purchasing power and ensure normal economic activities continue.
“Alhamdulillah, during the Eid al-Fitr homecoming and return flow period, there were no significant queues at petrol stations. Electric vehicles were well-served through public charging stations, LPG distribution ran smoothly, and diesel supplies were adequately met,” Bahlil stated.
He assured that fuel prices remain stable to date, despite global dynamics that could potentially impact the world’s energy supply chain.
“Fuel prices have not experienced any increase so far,” he said.
According to Bahlil, President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the government to continue seeking solutions so that energy subsidy policies can still protect the public amid global uncertainties.
“Up until last night, the President’s directive was to find the best solutions so that subsidy policies do not burden the people, even in a global crisis situation. I, along with the Finance Minister, are continuously working to find the best steps to ensure the public remains protected,” he said.
In addition to maintaining price stability, the government is also urging the public not to engage in excessive purchases or panic buying that could disrupt energy distribution.
Bahlil stressed that petrol stations are intended for public needs and not for hoarding practices or inappropriate activities.
“If the daily fuel need is 30 to 40 litres, then use it accordingly. There is no need for panic buying,” Bahlil said.
He revealed that the government has found indications of vehicles queuing for fuel not for distribution purposes, but for hoarding and resale.
“We have found in the field vehicles queuing at petrol stations not for goods distribution needs, but for other purposes such as hoarding and resale. In the current global situation, we all must act wisely in facing it,” he said.
Bahlil also urged the public to use energy efficiently to maintain national energy resilience in the long term.
“I urge the public to use energy according to needs and avoid waste. For example, when cooking with LPG, once the food is cooked, please turn off the stove to avoid waste. Simple things like this greatly help in maintaining national energy resilience,” Bahlil said.
He added that the national energy reserves are currently still within safe limits according to the national minimum standards, both for diesel and petrol fuels.
The government is optimistic that with collaboration between the government and the public, national energy stability will remain maintained despite ongoing global uncertainties.